Charles Archer created EDCSPIN with a partner in 1996 with an eye toward helping underprivileged communities, particularly individuals and families suffering from mental illness and learning disabilities.

Today, the organization provides free resources and services across the city. Archer heads a staff of over 500 individuals, who meet the needs of more than 1,000 people and their families.

Archer said that one of the most critical projects is the after-school program, where children ages 5 to 17 that suffer from a developmental disability receive free programming.

A weekend program has also been established in which children who have parents who work Saturdays and Sundays can enjoy programs like horse backing riding or a Disney on Ice show.

Along with working with children, EDCSPIN also focuses on helping the entire family overcome the issues surrounding mental illnesses. In the future, Archer said that he hopes EDCSPIN will have “the opportunity to be a full-service organization,” which could include counseling and addressing issues like alcoholism and other physical illnesses.

Archer also hopes to spread the reach of EDCSPIN further than New York City. His eyes are set to the tri-state area, but believe that his organization can do positive things for mentally handicapped individuals across the country.

I used to work at Evelyn Douglin Center and recall the beginnings when Charles was fresh CEO, speaking to the staff about how important is the teamwork. I think that was the first time he used the metaphor that we were all in the same boat emphasizing how important is that “Everyone Paddles – at the Same Time, in the Same Direction, towards the Same Goal.” Two decades later his metaphor continues to be the concept of creating cooperative, results-oriented culture at Evelyn Douglin Center for Serving People in Need. And even more, it has initiated the Everybody Paddles Movement.

And when Charles was starting his idea he was well educated for the executive position. Back in 1996, he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Accounting at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania. Soon followed a Juris Doctor degree from Brooklyn Law School in 2001 after which he became an assistant district attorney in Kings County. During his activities at Evelyn Douglin Center, Charles obtained his Masters of Public Administration from Baruch College, and in 2006, he joined the faculty there.

Thanks to Charles’ ambition and education, today, Evelyn Douglin Center is truly helping people in need.